Booking Policy

1. Service Agreement

Focused Veterinary Imaging & Consulting (FVIC) supplies on-site abdominal, cardiac, thoracic, MSK, and limited ultrasounds as an extension of the primary Veterinarian’s diagnostic work-up. At least one technician or assistant should be available for safe patient restraint; a technician (e.g. CVT) or DVM must be available if chemical restraint is needed. A DVM should be available if real-time clinical decisions are anticipated.

2. Case Submission & Clinical Information

To ensure a meaningful study, the referring Veterinarian should email or upload the following items prior to the appointment, ideally by noon the business day before the appointment:

Recent history
Clearly stated clinical questions
Pertinent lab data
Imaging

Missing information may delay scheduling or limit the scope of interpretation.

3. Patient Preparation

The host clinic should ensure:

8-10 hours food fast for abdominal exams
Clipping
Pre-visit analgesia/sedation when warranted and signed owner consent for any sedation
Signed owner consent for any fine-needle aspirate (FNA) and/or sedation that may be required

4. Interpretation & Reporting

All images are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist or cardiologist as appropriate. Standard non-cardiac reports are returned within 24 business hours; most are same-day. STAT non-cardiac reads (≤4 hours) are available on request for an additional fee. Echocardiographic reports are returned within 2 business days. Reports include a comprehensive organ analysis and actionable recommendations.

5. Ancillary Services

FVIC can collect and ship fine-needle aspirates or fluid samples for cytology at a discounted rate through our partnered pathology lab. Please indicate the request at booking.

6. Multi-Exam Discount

A 15 % fee reduction applies when two or more regions are scanned on the same patient during the same visit and the request is made at scheduling. Cardiac + abdominal packages qualify; re-checks do not.

7. Scheduling, Arrival, & Site Requirements

Exams are booked in 30-minute blocks; complex or sedated cases may need 45 minutes.
Provide a quiet, dimmable room with a standard power outlet and a table large enough for a 24-inch monitor.

8. Cancellation & No-Show Policy

Cancellations or reschedules made <24 hours before the visit incur a $75 logistics fee. No-shows or on-arrival cancellations may be billed the full exam charge.

9. Billing & Payment

FVIC invoices the clinic monthly. Payment terms are Net 30 unless otherwise agreed in writing. The clinic may set its own client-facing fees. Direct-to-owner billing is available for shelters and nonprofit clients with prior approval.

10. Medical Records, Image Archiving & Confidentiality

All images and reports become part of the patient’s medical record. FVIC Imaging archives DICOM files for seven years and can supply copies to the clinic or owner’s specialist upon written request. Data are handled in accordance with AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.

11. Liability & Equipment Care

The host clinic is responsible for providing a safe working environment. FVIC carries professional liability and equipment insurance; however, gross negligence resulting in damage to our equipment or personnel may be billed to the clinic.

12. Follow-Up & Consultation

If clarification on a report is needed, the interpreting radiologist is available for a brief phone consult at no charge within five business days of report delivery. Complex case conferences can be scheduled for an additional fee.